A unique instrument will bring a snake-charmer vibe to the stage as Scythia performs at Third, A Venue Sunday night at 1157 Third Avenue.
Scythia, a folk-metal band from Vancouver, will descend on Prince George in full character and costume for an all-encompassing show featuring the Oboe of Death as they promote their second CD, Of Exile, during their Summer Seige tour.
"We draw people into our world," said Dave Khan, lead vocals and guitar. "People who read a lot of fantasy novels and play a lot of video games - essentially nerds - they really get into this and so do we. It's either go hard or go home!"
Khan said folk metal might be rather unusual in North America, but in Europe it's like saying you're in a rock band.
From black metal to traditional Celtic folk music, folk metal blends many genres, Khan said.
"The side we've taken is more mixing Celtic melodies with punk, progressive rock and metal," Khan explained. "I had no idea what folk metal was when I started Scythia, but the melodies were always there, especially when I was composing."
Scythia's first album, Of War, was released in 2010.
"We are super excited about Of Exile," said Khan. The first release of the album, out Sept. 23, is called For The King. "The oboe is just whizzing up and down scales in that song. We're just beginning to learn what that instrument can do."
Khan met Morgan Zentner, an ex-classical musician, who wanted to be in a metal band.
"More than anything else her ambition struck me," said Khan. "That's when I started writing for oboe."
The Sunday night show will be a unique experience for the concertgoer.
"The audience will see something different," said Khan. "We give a high-energy performance. We're trying new things this tour. We look very different (in costume) and we welcome people into the world of Scythia."
The show starts at 9 p.m. with opening performers Swamp Monsters. Cost is $10 at the door.
